4 Common Resume Mistakes that Slow Your Job Search

Posted February 7, 2017byCSS

Have you applied for numerous jobs without ever receiving a call back? If your job search seems to be going nowhere fast, it would be wise to spend time studying your resume. A resume creates a first impression with a hiring manager, and if you’re striking the wrong notes, you won’t land interviews.

“Practice makes perfect! An old cliché, but if you take as many interviews as possible, then you will master your ability to articulate yourself, and more importantly, you will be open minded to the opportunity from that current company. Keep practicing to improve your chances of finding the right match!” says Gabrielle Pacitti McNulty, recruiter at Contemporary Staffing.

Follow these tips to avoid the common resume mistakes that could be slowing your job search.

Are You Limiting Your Resume To One Page?

Recent graduates and people who have held just one or two jobs can get away with a one-page resume. However, job seekers who are in the middle of their careers do themselves no favors by trying to limit themselves to a single sheet. Your resume should tell the story of your career and your evolution as a professional, and it that often requires two pages, sometimes more. Use the space you need to tell your career story, taking care not to be too wordy.

Are You Sending The Same Resume To Every Employer?

While it is ok to have a resume that spans a couple of pages, your first page should be impactful and it should allow you to get past automated resume screening software. Be sure that every resume you send is tailored to the job you are applying for. Study it closely to make sure that by scanning page one, both people and machines can determine that you are qualified for the job. Include important keywords related to your skills, and list your most relevant experience first.

Are You Focusing On Responsibilities Rather Than Results?

Hiring managers have a list of hard and soft skills they are looking for, but ultimately, they are most interested in whether or not you will add value to the organization. Most resumes focus on the responsibilities of a particular job, rather than demonstrating the results delivered. Listing your contributions shows how you added value to previous employers, and paints a much clearer picture for the hiring manager of how you’ll add value to his or her organization.

Whenever possible, quantify your achievements with verifiable data. If you are unable to remember specific percentages, timetables or dollar amounts, list an estimated range that is as accurate as possible and can be verified when the company conducts its reference checks.

Is Your Resume Ugly?

Your resume should be clear and easy to read. That means avoiding small or artistic fonts, utilizing white space appropriately, and avoiding the desire to include overly-ornate designs. There is something to be said for a well-designed resume, but graphic additions or document layout should never interfere with the readability of the final product.

Even if your resume is laid out in a clear and visually-pleasing manner, typos will get you sent to the circular file each and every time. If you can’t pay attention to detail in your resume, how will you pay attention to detail on the job? Always have a second set of eyes read your resume, and use automated spelling and grammar programs to double and triple-check yourself.